Philip Martin McDonald, age 56, passed away peacefully Thursday November 14, 2019, surrounded by his family and friends following a brief illness brought on by his battle with lung disease.

Phil was born October 28, 1963, in Arcata to his parents Margaret and John McDonald. During his childhood, he attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and later Bloomfield Elementary. In high school he played soccer for Arcata High, and even after he graduated he continued playing for multiple leagues in the area and coaching youth soccer. In his twenties, he started working for Calgon Carbon in Blue Lake, and a few years later he met his wife Sherry. He then moved to Fortuna, where he decided to make a career change by getting his Class A driver’s license so he could begin driving truck commercially. Around the same time he joined the Campton Height Fire Dept in Fortuna, where he met many life long friends while proudly serving his community for almost ten years. During his trucking career, he drove for numerous local industries including Humboldt Creamery and later for the scrap yard in Fortuna. He will always be remembered for making jokes and trying to get a laugh out of the people he came into contact with.

Phil is survived by his daughter, Shelsey McDonald, stepchildren Shayla Verbich & Shaun Bagley; grandchildren Ariana, Aubree, Dylan, Braydan, Kolby; his twin brother John; sisters Julie & JB; brother-in-law Joe; niece Darcy; nephews Zach & Brian; and many more family/friends who will all be affected by this unexpected loss. Phil is proceeded in death by his wife, Sherry; mother Margaret; father John, brother Bobby; sister Rosemary; and family friend Donna Shewry.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday December 15, 2019 at the downtown fire hall in Fortuna (320 S Fortuna Blvd) at 2 p.m. All are welcome to join.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Phil McDonald’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.